What is SMS or text messaging?
SMS stands for Short Message Service, commonly known to consumers as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones. The messages may be up to 136 characters in length including spaces. Almost all of the mobile phones on the market today can send and receive text messages.

What is a Short Code?
Similar to a telephone number, Short Codes are special five- or six-digit codes used to route text messages from mobile phones to interactive mobile messaging applications, typically in combination with a keyword. They are designed to be shorter to read and easier to remember than normal telephone numbers. Short Codes also allow for billing and other unique forms of interaction via the mobile phone such as television voting, ordering ringtones, charity donations and mobile chat services.

How many messages will I receive?
You will receive a message whenever an AMBER Alert is issued in your region. You will also receive a message when that same AMBER Alert is cancelled or if there is additional information pertinent to the alert.

What is an AMBER Alert?
Every province in Canada has an AMBER Alert program. The AMBER Alert program is a province-wide initiative which partners the province's law enforcement community, media broadcasting agencies and the public in notifications about abducted children. AMBER Alerts provide the public with immediate and up-to-date information about a child’s abduction by widespread media broadcasts and solicit the public's help in the safe and swift return of the child.

Are all Canadian provinces participating in the Wireless AMBER Alerts Initiative?
All provincial Law Enforcement Agencies are able to access and use the Wireless AMBER Alerts database and system for the dissemination of a Wireless AMBER Alert. Whether the system is used at the time of an AMBER Alert is solely at the discretion of each provincial agency.

If I subscribe and the provincial Law Enforcement Agency does not issue Wireless AMBER Alerts, will my information be used for anything else?
No. Your phone number is only used for the issuance of a Wireless AMBER Alert, and all subsequent messages (i.e. updates or cancellations of the original Wireless AMBER Alert).

How do I know if my carrier is participating in this initiative?
You can check the latest listing of participating wireless carriers click here

How can I unsubscribe?
To unsubscribe, reply with the word "STOP" to any message received. Or send the word STOP to Short Code 26237 (AMBER).

How can I get more information?
If you need more information about this program, text the keyword INFO or HELP to 26237 (AMBER), or you can e-mail info@wirelessamber.ca.

Will my personal information be shared with other organizations?
No. The CWTA will not share your information with any other organization except as required to provide the Wireless AMBER Alerts service. We will not provide your information to any third-party marketing organizations. Review the Canadian Wireless AMBER Alerts Web site privacy policy by clicking here

What does it cost to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts on my mobile?
Wireless AMBER Alerts are sent at no cost to the subscriber. All messages sent and received in the Wireless AMBER Alerts program are FREE.

I received a Wireless AMBER Alert and believe I have information that could help. What do I do?
You should only call the number that appears in the text of the AMBER Alert notice you receive to report helpful information. Do not call your wireless carrier and do not reply to the AMBER Alert text message.

What else can I do to help?

The moment an AMBER Alert is issued, tune in to your local media for more information.

You can also visit your provincial agency’s Web site for more information regarding the AMBER Alert program in your province and across Canada.

How will I know if the message I receive is legitimate?
Canadian Wireless AMBER Alerts are sent using the Short Code 26237. Any AMBER Alert messages sent from any other code or phone number are not issued by Canadian Wireless AMBER Alerts.

Will I receive any other messages from Short Code 26237 (AMBER)?
Yes, if at any time during an AMBER Alert, additional information becomes available, you will receive a second free text message with the updated information.
You will also receive a free text message once the AMBER Alert has been lifted.

My question isn’t listed here. How can I find out more information?
If you need more information about this program, e-mail info@wirelessamber.ca.

If I leave my current cell phone provider, keep my current cell phone number and go to another company, will I still receive Wireless AMBER Alerts through my new carrier?
No. You must re-subscribe with your new carrier.